New York State Canal Corporation officials are prepping the canal systems ahead of Sandy. Our Beth Croughan was at the Lock One Marina, where the process of removing the boats had already started.

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WATERFORD, N.Y. -- "This is it. Once we get, we have three more boats to go. And once those are out, then I start working on the docks," said Michael Trimarchi, the owner of Lock One Marina in Waterford.

Trimarchi loaded up the remaining boats docked at the Lock One Marina onto trailers and secured them with his staff on land.

"We're pulling the boats out a little ahead of schedule," he explained.

Trimarchi said normally they can stay in until November 15th, but due to the possibility of Hurricane Sandy, the Canal Corporation is lowering water levels ahead of schedule.

"We're monitoring the path and formation of this storm very closely to make sure all necessary precautions are being taken," said NYS Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton.

Stratton wouldn't compare this impending storm to Irene, which caused millions of dollars and miles of damage along the canal, but said it is happening at a different point in the season.

"We're almost at the end of October, there's naturally fewer vessels in the system. But we're making sure we reach out to as many of them that may be impacted," he explained.

For Trimarchi and his staff, they only had five to take out Friday.

"We just want to be prepared. Expect the worst and hope for the best," he said.

The water will be lowered three to five feet below minimum navigation levels. It's suggested people with boats on the Erie Canal take them out or move them somewhere safe before the storm.